This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and about Vietnam in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you’re operating a business or working in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Vietnam Airlines trading restrictions removed
Vietnam News is reporting that Vietnam Airlines’ shares have resumed full-day trading after the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange lifted trading restrictions following the airline’s return to profitability and positive shareholders’ equity.
The stock does, however, remain under warning on account of its accumulated losses of VND26.69 trillion (US$1.01 billion). View source→
Insurance payouts VSS
Insurance Asia is reporting that Vietnam Social Security (VSS) has reported that first-half 2026 insurance benefit payments rose 15.1 percent year-on-year to VND263.8 trillion (US$10.01 billion), with health insurance coverage reaching 96.91 percent of the population.
The agency said social insurance participation increased to 22.28 million people, unemployment insurance to 17.6 million, and health insurance to 99.1 million people during the period. View source→
Car sales June
Just-Auto is reporting that Vietnam car sales fell 6 percent year-on-year in June to 24,356 units, according to Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association wholesale data, which excludes VinFast, Hyundai and several other brands.
The association said first-half sales still rose 15 percent to 149,761 units, supported by stronger passenger and commercial vehicle demand alongside accelerating economic growth. View source→
23+ year prison term recommended counterfeit supplements
Lao Dong is reporting that prosecutors have recommended a total sentence of 23-26 years for Herbitech director Pham Vu Khiem, accused of leading a counterfeit dietary supplement operation.
They alleged Pham directed the production and sale of nearly 13 million counterfeit products, evaded taxes through dual accounting systems and laundered illicit proceeds into property investments. View source→
Counterfeit shoes arrest
Dan Tri is reporting that police in Ninh Binh province have charged a man with infringing industrial property rights after allegedly selling nearly 3,600 counterfeit branded sports shoes worth more than VND1.2 billion (US$45,500). View source→
Fitch Ratings rates HDBank BB-
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Fitch Ratings has assigned HDBank its first credit rating, awarding a BB- long-term issuer default rating with a Stable outlook and a bb- viability rating. View source→
Ed.’s notes: BB- = speculative-grade / junk
New HCMC airport deadline
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the Airports Corporation of Vietnam has proposed opening Long Thanh International Airport for commercial operations on December 1, with international flights transferred from Tan Son Nhat in stages through March 2028.
The ACV has also proposed reducing selected airport service charges by 20-50% to encourage airlines to begin operating from Long Thanh. View source→
Ed.’s notes: We’ll see.
Iron ore vendor bribery allegations
Vietnamnet is reporting that police have recommended prosecuting former Vietnam China Metallurgy Minerals Company General Director Bui Thanh Binh after alleging he accepted VND43.8 billion (US$1.66 million) in bribes to sell iron ore below market prices.
Police, however, said they found insufficient evidence to prosecute representatives of 16 companies that purchased the discounted ore. View source→
Gilimex to appeal US court ruling
Znews is reporting that Gilimex has said it will appeal after a United States court permanently dismissed its US$840 million lawsuit against Amazon over an alleged breach of a supply agreement. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Judgement was pretty scathing against Gilimex — the Court found the company’s evidence was fake. Will be interesting to see what Gilimex’s appeal arguments are.
Real estate developer bond fundraising in June
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam real estate developers raised more than VND60.66 trillion (US$2.30 billion) through private bond placements in June, marking the sector’s highest monthly issuance this year.
Vinhomes issued VND22 trillion (US$834.9 million) in bonds, while three Masterise Group-linked companies collectively raised VND23.3 trillion (US$884.3 million), accounting for most of the issuance. View source→
SK firm to expand circuit board manufacturing
The Investor is reporting that South Korean printed circuit board manufacturer TLB has said it plans to invest about US$134 million to build a second manufacturing plant in Bac Ninh.
The company said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand from artificial intelligence servers and next-generation memory technologies, with customers including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and Micron. View source→
Stock market Monday
The VN-Index closed at 1,800.54, down 27.80 points or 1.52 percent, with a total trading value of VND 21,803.11 billion or US$827.44 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$10.06 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Monday
On July 13, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,400, and the sell rate was VND 26,450, unchanged from Friday, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Government to inject cash into Agribank, IMF growth forecast raised, German industrial gas plant investment, VN garment maker Amazon legal action dismissed, Grab charging infrastructure expansion, HDBank foreign funding, Auto market growth, World Cup betting ring bust, Former US ambassador joins IFC board, Stock market Friday, Exchange rates Friday, Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup, and more. Read the full article →